Both commercial and residential roofs are prone to all types of problems all year round. Fixing roofs requires a special approach to height access. It’s vital to take the right precautions to exercise safe roof inspection and repairs.
Six Potential Roof Hazards
A roof isn’t designed for walking. However, inspectors, technicians, and cleaners tend to walk around it rather often. Numerous roof-related accidents occur due to improper preparation, lack of experience and failure to bring proper equipment.
The following six roof hazards should be considered when planning any type of work:
- Ladders
- Skylights
- Debris
- Weather
- Electricity
- Chemicals
1. Ladders
Hardly all buildings have stairs for roof access from the inside. When there is no other way to reach the roof, workers often use ladders. Ladders are dangerous if they aren’t used properly. Many companies opt for cheaper ladders that often become unstable due to being made of light materials.
2. Skylights
Skylights are fragile. Sometimes they are located in such a manner that stepping on them is virtually impossible to avoid. Putting too much weight on the skylight can cause it to break. Meanwhile, glass is slippery and may lead to slips and falls
3. Debris
Falling branches, leaves, ice, construction materials, and other debris left on the roof pose a hazard to workers.
4. Weather
Weather is a hazard, which workers often overlook. Meanwhile, strong winds can carry debris that can lead to injuries. Hot sunshine is the reason for sunburns, dehydration, and heat strokes. Icy rain causes workers to slip.
5. Electricity
Working on the roof often means being close to power lines, solar panels, and HVAC equipment. All of the above is an electrocution hazard.
6. Chemicals
Roofing workers often face such chemicals as asbestos, especially when working with old roofs, They can also encounter bird and rodent droppings as well as wasp nests.
What Can You Do To Keep Roof Workers Safe?
The first thing you should consider doing is offering your workers high-quality height access equipment. Boom and scissor lifts eliminate such problems as dangerous ladders and hard to reach spots.
The majority of the inspection and some of the repair work can be done from an aerial lift platform without stepping on the roof and facing hazards.
Special attention should be paid to workers’ attire and protective gear. Proper outfits can keep the technicians safe from weather hazards. Meanwhile, well-thought-out protection gear can keep them from injuries during slip and fall accidents.
It’s vital to remember that a roof repair technician is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. That’s why you need to take a special approach to safety.
Alpha Platforms is the pioneer in operated boom lift rentals and height access service in the 150-300-ft range. Our precise German-made lifts have become the favorite height access method for those who try them once, as they combine unmatched productivity, safety, and reach.
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